The Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate invites hopefuls to showcase their skills this September
Category: Sports
DETROIT – The Motor City Cruise, the NBA G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons, is set to host a one-day open player tryout on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. As seen in a trending post on r/nba, the event aims to provide aspiring professional basketball players with a chance to earn a spot on the team.
The tryout is scheduled to begin at noon ET, with participants competing for an invitation to the Motor City Cruise's training camp, which will take place in October 2026. Registration is available online, with a non-refundable fee of $250. Each participant will receive a reversible tryout jersey and two tickets to a selected Motor City Cruise home game during the 2026-27 season. Registration will close at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Under NBA G League regulations, each team may invite up to three players from their local open tryout to training camp. This process has proven successful for the Cruise, who have previously identified promising talent through these tryouts. Notably, Detroit native John Ukomadu became the first player to earn a training camp invitation through an open tryout, eventually making the roster and winning the 2026 NBA G League Slam Dunk Contest.
The Motor City Cruise will enter their sixth season in the NBA G League in 2026-27 and are scheduled to play 24 home games at Wayne State Fieldhouse starting in November. The team has a history of using open tryouts to discover new talent, allowing players who may not have had other opportunities to showcase their skills in front of team officials.
One of the recent success stories from these tryouts is Malique Jacobs, a recent college graduate from Kent State University. Jacobs attended a local open tryout for the Cruise on September 14, 2026, paying the $250 fee covered by his agency. He impressed during the tryout and was named to the official roster for the 2026-27 season. Jacobs had previously been named the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and averaged double-digit points in three seasons at Kent State.
Jacobs' story exemplifies how the Motor City Cruise's open tryouts provide valuable opportunities for aspiring professional basketball players. His path to success was not without challenges; prior to the tryout, he faced financial constraints and considered taking a non-basketball job. Fortunately, he caught the attention of the Cruise's front office during a pre-draft workout and maintained contact with assistant general manager Max Unger, which led to his invitation to the tryout.
The upcoming tryout is expected to draw many hopeful athletes looking to make their mark in professional basketball. As the Cruise prepare for the new season, they will continue to evaluate talent through this open tryout process, which has previously yielded successful players. The team’s coaching staff, including head coach Jamelle McMillan, approaches these tryouts with an open mind, seeking players who can contribute to the team’s competitive spirit.
With registration already underway, interested players are encouraged to sign up soon, as space is limited. The Motor City Cruise are eager to find the next standout player who can help lead them in their quest for success in the upcoming season. The tryout serves as a platform for players to display their skills and highlights the Cruise's commitment to nurturing local talent.
As the team gears up for their sixth season, they will look to build on their previous successes and continue fostering a competitive environment that allows players to thrive. The Motor City Cruise's dedication to providing opportunities for aspiring players reflects the broader mission of the NBA G League, which aims to develop talent and promote the sport of basketball at all levels.
For those interested in participating, the tryout will take place on September 13, 2026, at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. Registration closes on September 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, so potential players should act quickly to secure their spot.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.